While non-essential retail shops reopened at the end of June, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said today that some form of face covering would become mandatory for customers from July 9. 

Sturgeon also said the two-metre physical distancing rule would be eased for some premises as Scotland looks to reopen pubs, bars and restaurants from July 15. 

From July 4, pubs and restaurants in England are allowed to reopen with a “one-metre-plus” social distancing guideline in place, but Scotland’s first minister and the Scottish National Party have chosen to be more cautious in its reopening strategy.